In the simplified projectile motion equation Range = (v^2 × sin(2θ)) / g, which variable represents the acceleration due to gravity?

• A. v
• B. θ
• C. g
• D. sin

Answer: (C)

Gravity is the downward acceleration that acts on the projectile. In the range formula, the variable g represents this acceleration due to gravity. Because g sits in the denominator, a larger gravity makes the object spend less time in the air, which reduces how far it travels horizontally, while the initial speed and launch angle primarily determine how much speed is available and how that speed is directed. The remaining terms—v for initial speed and sin(2θ) from the launch angle—shape the numerator, with sin just being the trigonometric factor that comes from decomposing the velocity. In this idealized model, g is the constant that sets how quickly vertical motion changes, reflecting the influence of gravity on the projectile’s flight.